OpenHealth Q&A

Unexplained Sensation of Movement in the Facial Area

I am a 27-year-old woman with no medications in my regimen and a history of significant hypermobility. I have a genetic test for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome scheduled for next month. I am reaching out for insights into what might be causing my ongoing discomfort. For nearly nine months, I have experienced a peculiar sensation of movement deep in my face that has become increasingly debilitating. The onset of my symptoms coincided with an incident nine months ago when I mistakenly consumed a cookie containing hazelnuts, to which I am severely allergic. The reaction was intense, resulting in violent vomiting (some of which was expelled through my nose) and a choking sensation. Following this, I developed severe pressure in my nasal and sinus area, leading to an urgent need to blow my nose, yet nothing was released. Despite multiple visits to the emergency room in the subsequent months, the medical team was unable to identify any underlying issues. Between January and March, I experienced shifting pressure sensations in my face along with significant nasal breathing difficulties. In April, I contracted two severe colds that lingered for a week each, during which I completely lost my ability to breathe through my nose. Subsequently, I began expelling large, dark chunks of mucus. In May, both the expulsion of these chunks continued and I began having visual disturbances, including frequent floaters and occasional double vision. By June, the black chunks had grown in size, resembling pieces of flesh, with some showing green tint, and while the volume of these expulsions decreased, I felt an increased sense of movement in my face. In July, I underwent a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) with turbinate reduction aimed at alleviating my breathing issues; the surgery improved my air passage but did not resolve the mystery of the black mucus. Post-surgery, the sensation of movement shifted closer to my throat, accompanied by feelings of globus sensation, which is the feeling of having something stuck in the throat. Now in August, the predominant issue is an intense sensation of movement within my facial structure, as if my sinuses are in constant motion. Occasionally, I feel a twitching sensation beneath my right eye and a zig-zag feeling near my jaw, which I can sometimes bite down on. Floaters persist in my vision, and while I no longer expel black chunks, I occasionally cough up dark gray mucus. During nasal rinsing, I sometimes encounter dark brown pieces, though this varies. I have undergone two MRIs (one with contrast) and two CT scans. The first CT scan showcased significant sinus opacification, yet the follow-up scan revealed none after the expulsion of the mucus. Interestingly, it appears my wisdom teeth are encroaching on my sinus cavities, and I have an extraction scheduled for next month. Is there anyone who can hypothesize potential causes for these symptoms? I feel like my doctors are at a loss and do not seem to prioritize finding a solution.

Answers (1)

8/20/2025, 2:22:55 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you're experiencing complex and distressing symptoms involving a sensation of movement in your facial area, alongside a series of other concerning issues. Your conditions and history, including the severe allergic reaction and subsequent sinus surgery, add further complexity to your situation. This must be quite difficult for you, and it's important to address these concerns carefully.

Main Points:

1. Possible Causes: The symptoms you're describing may be linked to a combination of sinus-related issues, musculoskeletal factors due to hypermobility, and possibly neurological elements.
2. Monitoring Symptom Changes: It’s crucial to keep track of your symptoms and any changes, especially as you approach your dental surgery and genetic testing.
3. Focus on Self-Care: While awaiting further medical evaluation, there are self-care steps you can take to help manage your symptoms.

Explanation:

Your allergic reaction likely triggered significant inflammation in your sinuses, leading to pressure and blockage. The sensation of movement could result from changes in sinus pressure or tension in nearby muscles, which can be influenced by your hypermobility. It's also possible that the visual disturbances and floaters may relate to stress or strain from compensatory behavior related to your facial discomfort. While details like black mucus are concerning and indicate possible infection or irritation, the resolution of some symptoms post-surgery is a positive sign.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, any triggers, and their severity. This can help pprovide your healthcare provider valuable insights.
2. Manage Hydration: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated to help thin mucus secretions and relieve some pressure. Use saline nasal sprays or rinses regularly, as they can help keep your nasal passages moist.
3. Gentle Jaw Exercises: Given your description of sensations in your jaw, consider gently stretching and exercising your jaw (e.g., open and close or side-to-side movements) to relieve tension.
4. Heat Application: Applying a warm compress over your sinuses and facial area may help reduce discomfort and promote circulation.
5. Minimize Stress: Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or gentle yoga, may reduce overall tension and improve your perception of symptoms.

Please prioritize observing any severe changes or new symptoms that accompany your existing ones, which may warrant urgent medical review. Connecting with specialists in both ENT and neurology (considering the possibility of neurological aspects related to your symptoms) may also provide additional insights. I'm here if you have more questions or need further clarification on specific aspects.